The surrounding controversy Ranveer SinghThe release of Don 3 continues to create controversy in the film industry. In a recent interview, the president of the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) and Ashoke Pandit, General Counsel of the Federation of West Indian Film Employees, shed light on the federation’s decision-making process and reviewed extensive documentation before announcing the non-cooperation.
“Excel told us that 45 million had already been spent”
According to Pandit, the case started with a formal complaint filed by Don 3 officials with the federation.“A producer and director came to us and filed a complaint saying they were making Don 3 and around 45 crores had already been invested in the project. They brought all the documents, expense sheets and details of the signature amounts,” he told Hindi Rush.He stated that this expense is not unusual for a large production.“If you are making a Rs 300 crore film, Rs 45 crore in pre-production expenses is normal. The unit was supposed to go on shoot in three weeks and suddenly there was a walk.”
“We have sent three letters but have not received an answer”
Pandit said FWICE followed due process before taking any decision.“In general, whenever a complaint comes to us, we listen to both sides. We wrote to the other side because we wanted to know their version as well. We sent a letter, then another and then a third warning. We didn’t get a response.”According to him, the only communication that finally arrived questioned the federation’s jurisdiction over the matter.“They told us that this was not our jurisdiction and that we should not enter.”
“Styling done, tickets booked”
Pandit said the federation looked into relevant evidence before taking action.“We saw the WhatsApp chats between Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The styling was done, the costumes were done, the tickets were booked, the hotels were arranged and the unit was scheduled to leave in three weeks.”He added that such preparations indicate that the project has progressed significantly.“A producer doesn’t spend that kind of money without making a commitment.”
“We have never banned Ranveer Singh”
Pandit also addressed reports that the actor was banned by the federation.“The media got it wrong. We have never used the word ‘ban’. Neither I nor anyone in the federation said that. We are not a court and we have no authority to ban anyone.”He explained that FWICE only announced a lack of cooperation.“What we said was that our staff and technicians will not work on projects starring Ranveer Singh. Non-cooperation and ban are two completely different things.”
“If you leave a film, the losses should be returned”
Pandit argued that the federation’s concern was accountability rather than personalities.“Ranveer had ten real reasons for leaving the film. We don’t question that. But if a producer has spent millions on your engagement, those losses should be returned.”Compared to other professions, he said, “The industry can’t work if someone spends money and suddenly says they’re not interested anymore.”
“The problem is bigger than an actor”
According to Pandit, FWICE’s concern extends beyond Don 3.“Today it’s an actor. Tomorrow it can be a director, writer or cinematographer. If people start leaving projects at the last minute, the whole system will suffer.”He added that the federation is now working with producer bodies to create a standard operating procedure for the industry.“We want an SOP for everyone: actors, directors, technicians and assistants. Commitments mean something.”Pandit concluded by reiterating that the federation has no personal issue with Ranveer Singh.“We answer to producers, technicians, workers and agents. This is about discipline and trust, not looking at the individual.”
